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What to say when quitting a job you just started?

149 Answers
Last Updated: 05/16/2023 at 3:05am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jill Kapil, PsyD

Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
September 17th, 2016 8:48am
Thank you for the opportunity but this is not working out for me and I am pursuing other options. Give proper notice.
Alex
September 12th, 2016 4:16am
There's multiple things to take into consideration when quitting a job, regardless of when you started. First, you should take into consideration your self-care and health, and see if your job supports that. Also, take into consideration your environment - is there something that's going on in your life that prevents you from working further? If you're quitting because you're overwhelmed/nervous, I would say to give it a few more days or weeks to see if those feelings ease, as it is common when starting a new job with new people and responsibilities. These feelings generally tend to go away once you become more comfortable with the job and what it requires of you!
Anonymous
June 8th, 2016 9:44am
I have realized this job is not for me. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to work with you, I greatly appreciate it.
Willow99e
July 1st, 2020 10:56pm
I feel as though this job is not the best fit for me and although I am very grateful to this opportunity, I feel as though someone else may be better suited to the job. If you need me to continuing working while you find a replacement I am more than happy to do so. I want you to know that this is not a reflection of your company, but rather, a clash between my personality and the skills required to complete the daily tasks. I feel as though I will not be able to efficiently preform day to day and would rather tell you sooner, rather than later.
AngieWillListen
August 12th, 2018 3:03pm
If it’s not your true calling, then it wasn’t meant to be. Do not dwell on situations that can be changed for the better.
Madie16
June 19th, 2018 12:40pm
It's best to be honest with your employer and let them know why you would like to quit your job. Sometimes in doing this, your employer can better understand what is going on. For example, letting them know that the job does not suit your needs or that you are uncomfortable in the environment is a great way to practice honesty and communication skills.
KurtCups711
June 16th, 2018 2:08pm
I'd start with an apology. The company invested resources to hire you and leaving so soon will have a financial impact. Try "I'm grateful for the opportunity you've given me and I apologize for any disruption I may cause. My expectations about this position were different than my experiences. Please accept my resignation". Remember that you don't owe them anything, good luck with the job search.
letyourheartout
March 29th, 2018 7:45pm
If you actually don't want to continue your job, even when you have just started it. You can just quit it.. Because there are many jobs in the world, so even if you lose one job, you have the other, which will satisfy you.
kindSoul10
June 7th, 2017 10:32pm
it depends on your motivations for quitting. but an honest and polite talk could be the way to go. for example: "I have thought about the time I'm working here. I liked (what you liked). but I have come to the conclusion that (your reason for quitting). (optional friendly positive sentences): I enjoyed the time and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to work here.
coffeelover97
May 24th, 2018 3:10am
You be honest to why you are quitting this job. Just let them know that this isn’t the right fit and try to give them a reasonable notice. If possible, two weeks or at least a week. It would be more professional and polite thing to do. Just be honest to why you are quitting. No need to lie. It will be okay.
Anonymous
April 26th, 2020 8:31pm
Not every job is for every one. The most important thing in life is happiness. Your job is something you do just as much as being at home and you have to be happy while doing it. If you are not feeling happy with a job you just started give it a little bit of time some things just need getting used to. After you have gave your new job some time if you still aren’t feeling satisfied then speak to your direct manager. They should understand what you are feeling. Being honest and truthful is always the best route to take. You might even build a better relationship with your boss by having been honest and they can even serve as a reference for a new job for you.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2017 6:34pm
Be honest about why you are quitting. Is the job causing too much stress? Is it out of your area of interest? Tell your manager/supervisor/superior why you are quitting, as opposed to just handing in your letter of resignation. This way, you are opening the dialogue with them, and they will have an understanding of why it is you are leaving. They may also offer you accommodations if you are finding the job too stressful but actually want to stay. Honesty is key to a strong relationship with your workplace leaders.
Theresalwaystomorrow
November 17th, 2016 7:14pm
I appreciate the opportunity working at ________. I have decided to ___________. Make sure you tell them you thank the opportunity. Negative Nancy is not good in a written letter or phone call.
br3athing
June 4th, 2016 2:42am
"Thank you tremendously for the experience I've gained here. It has helped me to progress to my next step."
Akor1
August 16th, 2018 3:04am
Just be honest with either your boss or human resources. Tell them why you don't want to work there anymore, there is no right or wrong answer but an actual honest answer is best in my opinion.
Anonymous
February 28th, 2018 7:46pm
There's no need to say anything. But I guess being honest (with leaving a few details out of the conversation) might be the best for anyone - Maybe it just wasn't what you expected it to be like?
Anonymous
February 27th, 2019 11:17pm
Well, thank the person for the opportunity to have worked for them and everything that you learned in your short time of working there. And just be honest in a nice way that something came available that you had been waiting on for quite some time and it was too good of a opportunity to past up. You can also tell them that you really hate to leave under such short notices but the other job wants for you to start right away. However, to prevent from putting them in a really bad bind you are welling to give them a two week notice, so that they can find someone else to replace you with.
Anonymous
August 19th, 2016 1:07pm
You can say that it is was not what you expected it to be and you want to find something more suitable with your professional plans.
ItsTheSheppy
June 18th, 2016 2:08pm
Honesty is the best policy. Sit down with your supervisor and explain your feelings rationally, calmly, and clearly. It could be that the reason you're quitting is something manageable. Or, your employer may see your point of view and appreciate being notified. Very rarely does honesty backfire.
Anonymous
June 6th, 2019 3:04am
Just be honest. It is the best path. If you don’t think the job is a good fit for you just tell them. As a manager, I’d rather someone come to me and tell me they are quitting and be honest to be about why instead of just ghosting the business. At least that way they know if it’s something they should do differently, also then they’ll know you’re fine. Just a little tip, always turn in a notice if you think there’s a slight chance you might work there again. If you don’t most businesses will mark you as not able to be rehired.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2018 7:08am
That you have given the job and try and its just not the right fit for you, however you are thankful for the opportunity.
Anonymous
September 26th, 2018 7:40am
As you know I have been at this job for only a short time but I have now realized that this isn't the job for me. Sometimes you do not realize if a job is for you or not until you have actually started the job as I have. There were some things I enjoyed about the job but the things that I didn't enjoy have over powered the things that I did. I appreciate you giving me the chance at this job and offering it to me but i'm sorry to have to advise that I will now be leaving.
Anonymous
March 1st, 2018 6:02pm
You be open and honest and you thank the employer for the opportunity but you've realised that the role doesn't suit your needs or expectations.
SparkyGizmo
June 7th, 2020 2:22pm
In my personal opinion, if you see that the job just isn't the right fit for you, it's okay to say so. As for me, I think this is being fair to yourself as well as your employer. If you notice things quickly, that just aren't working out so well, I think it's good to go to your supervisor and tell them as such. If it were me, I might say something along the the lines of, I really appreciate your time, I'm thankful that you gave me a chance. While I might like everyone personally around here, I'm just feeling this isn't the right fit for me, right now. I hope you can understand.
Elenny02
November 15th, 2017 1:52pm
First, I would thank them for hiring me over other candidates and then I would introduce the reason why I am quitting. Remember, you want to end on a good note!
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2017 1:37am
Be honest. What made you want to quit? Did you not like the job? Did you find something better? Say it. Honesty is the best policy here. But if you're uncomfortable saying that real reason, make something up that makes sense and go with that.
mindfulears88
November 18th, 2017 4:10am
I am afraid this job is not what I have envisioned after all. I feel terrible for having to leave, but I am willing to do whatever I can to make the transition as painless.
Alwayshearforyou247
October 10th, 2020 4:31pm
You should always do a job that you love. Even a job isn't making you feel good than yes, maybe you should quit. You should your manager or your boss that this job isn't well suited for you. I good response would be something along the lines of, "I know I will not be able to work here, so I am letting you know in advance that you should hire someone else". It's good that you know you want to quit, and if you know that in your first few weeks of working..It will also be easier for your manager to understand. If you would like to talk about this with me, here is the link, I'd be more than happy to help https://www.7cups.com/110869482
originalbraveheart63
October 13th, 2016 1:53pm
You should say that you just can not find yourself in these place. Thank them for a chance and just politely tell them that you want to quit.
Anonymous
April 18th, 2018 6:02am
It is likely better for both sides that you don't let it boil up/get worse if you've already decided it's not for you. Make sure to say "thank you for your faith in me" or "thank you for the experience".